Editing Pokémon Trading Card Game (section)

==Gameplay==
[[File:Pokémon TCG gameplay.jpg|thumb|A ''Pokémon TCG'' playmat with labels of various gameplay aspects, e.g. Active Spot, Bench, Deck, and Discard Pile|left|alt=Official [[List of Pokémon|Primal Kyogre]] and [[List of Pokémon|Primal Groudon]]-themed Pokémon playmat depicting labels of numerous in-game aspects, such as the Active Pokémon, Bench Pokémon, Deck, and Discard Pile sections]]
The ''Pokémon Trading Card Game'' is a strategy-based card game that is usually played on a designated playmat or digitally on an official game client where two players (assuming the role of Pokémon Trainer) use their Pokémon to battle one another. Pokémon that have sustained enough damage from attacks–that reaches or exceeds its [[HP (gaming)|HP]]–is referred to as being "Knocked Out", granting the opponent a prize card; however, powerful [[Game mechanics|card mechanics]] like Pokémon-V and Pokémon ex grant extra prize cards when Knocked Out.<ref name="assets.pokemon.com" />

Taking all six prize cards is the most common win condition. Other ways to win are by "Knocking Out" or by removing all opponent's Pokémon in play–the Active and those on the Bench (i.e. the row behind the Active that can house up to five additional Pokémon to support and substitute Active Pokémon if it retreats or is "Knocked Out"), or by Decked Out–if at the opponent's next turn they have no cards left in deck to draw into.<ref name="assets.pokemon.com">{{Cite web |title=Pokemon Rulebook |url=https://assets.pokemon.com//assets/cms2/pdf/trading-card-game/rulebook/pal_rulebook_en.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810105018/https://assets.pokemon.com//assets/cms2/pdf/trading-card-game/rulebook/pal_rulebook_en.pdf |archive-date=2023-08-10 |access-date=2023-09-07 |publisher=The Pokémon Company}}</ref>

Players begin by having one player select heads or tails, and the other flips a coin; the winner of the coin flip will decide who goes first or second. (Dice may be used in place of coins, with even numbers representing heads and odd numbers representing tails; dice are also primarily used in official tournaments organized by The Pokémon Company). The player going first cannot attack or play a Supporter card (powerful Trainer effects card) on their first turn. Players shuffle their decks and draw seven cards, and then each puts one Basic Pokémon in play as their Active Pokémon. This Pokémon is the one that is actively attacking and receiving damage. If a player does not have any Basic Pokémon, they must call [[Mulligan (games)|mulligan]], shuffle, and then draw another hand until they draw a Basic Pokémon; the opponent may draw one additional card per mulligan. Once both players have at least one Basic Pokémon, they can play up to five more Basic Pokémon onto their Bench, and then take the top six cards of their deck and place them to the side as Prize cards.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Georgiou |first=Leon |title=How to Play Pokémon Cards: Your Guide to the Pokémon TCG |url=https://www.wargamer.com/pokemon-trading-card-game/how-to-play-pokemon-cards |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220619231921/https://www.wargamer.com/pokemon-trading-card-game/how-to-play-pokemon-cards |archive-date=June 19, 2022 |access-date=June 25, 2022 |website=[[Wargamer (website)|Wargamer]]}}</ref><ref name="assets.pokemon.com" />

Play alternates between players who may take several actions during their turn, including playing additional Basic Pokémon, evolving their Pokémon, attaching an Energy card, playing Trainer cards, and using Pokémon abilities and attacks. After Trainer cards are played, cards are discarded by effects from Trainer cards or Abilities, and after Pokémon were "Knocked Out", they are put into the discard pile.<ref name="assets.pokemon.com" /> A player may also retreat their Active Pokémon, switching the Active Pokémon with one on the Bench by paying the Active Pokémon's retreat cost of a certain number of Energies. At the cost of ending the turn, players may use one of their Active Pokémon's attacks once the prerequisite number and types of Energy attached to that Pokémon is fulfilled. Effects from that attack are then activated and damage may be dealt on the defending Pokémon, which may modify based on the defender Pokémon's type weakness or a resistance policies, and/or by any other effects on the defending Pokémon. Players alternate attacking until a player wins either through one of the above win conditions or by concession.<ref name="Honey">{{Cite news |last=Honey |first=Mia |date=February 5, 2020 |title=How to Play the Pokémon TCG: A Beginner's Guide |url=https://www.dicebreaker.com/categories/trading-card-game/how-to/how-to-play-pokemon-tcg |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220503215222/https://www.dicebreaker.com/categories/trading-card-game/how-to/how-to-play-pokemon-tcg |archive-date=May 3, 2022 |access-date=June 25, 2022 |work=[[Dicebreaker]]}}</ref><ref name="assets.pokemon.com" />

=== Card types ===
Pokémon cards depict one or multiple Pokémon from the ''[[Pokémon]]'' franchise, one to two elemental types, one or more attacks and/or an Ability, and a certain amount of HP. Basic Pokémon are Pokémon that have not evolved and can be played directly onto the Bench; they have Stage 1, Stage 2, and/or special mechanic evolutions. Each player may have up to six Pokémon in play: one in the Active Spot and five on the Bench.<ref name="Honey" />

Most Pokémon have attacks that require a certain amount of Energies to use. Attacks deal damage to the opponent's Active Pokémon and sometimes deal additional damage to their Benched Pokémon; they may have additional effects like drawing cards, inflicting Special Conditions (Asleep, Burned, Confused, Paralyzed, or Poisoned) or altering the opponent's deck and/or board state. Abilities, previously called Poké-Powers and Poké-Bodies until 2011,<ref name="Howcast">{{Cite news |date=7 November 2018 |title=What Are Abilities, Poke-Powers & Poke-Bodies in Pokemon? |url=https://www.howcast.com/videos/497345-abilities-poke-powers-poke-bodies-pokemon |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210723191403/https://www.howcast.com/videos/497345-abilities-poke-powers-poke-bodies-pokemon |archive-date=July 23, 2021 |access-date=June 26, 2022 |work=[[Howcast]]}}</ref> are not attacks, but special effects on Pokémon that may be activated once or multiple times during their turn, such as drawing additional cards or switching the opponent's Active Pokémon with one of their Benched Pokémon, or can be passive, i.e. they remain in effect as long as the Pokémon with the Ability remains in play.<ref name="assets.pokemon.com" />

The other type of Pokémon cards are Evolution Pokémon. In contrast to a Basic Pokémon, Evolution Pokémon cannot be directly put into play; they must be placed on top of the corresponding previous Stage Pokémon to evolve it, and they cannot be played onto a Pokémon the same turn that Pokémon was put into the Bench or during the player's first turn. Stage 1 Pokémon evolve from Basic Pokémon, and Stage 2 Pokémon evolve from Stage 1 Pokémon. As a Pokémon evolves, it gains HP and their attacks change, usually becoming more powerful.<ref name="Howcast" /> Over the years many different variations to the standard mechanics have been added, the most prominent of which are the signature feature of their respective expansion series. 
{| class="wikitable"
|+Major Pokémon Card Attributes
!Card Type
!Release Expansion
!Evolution Stage(s)
!Mechanics
|-
|Shining Pokémon,
Pokémon ☆,
Radiant Pokémon
|''Neo Revelation'' & ''Shining Legends''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Comments |first=Theo Dwyer {{!}} |date=2021-10-25 |title=A Holographic History of The Pokémon TCG: Shining Pokémon |url=https://bleedingcool.com/games/a-holographic-history-of-the-pokemon-tcg-shining-pokemon/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127080437/https://bleedingcool.com/games/a-holographic-history-of-the-pokemon-tcg-shining-pokemon/ |archive-date=2021-11-27 |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=bleedingcool.com |language=en}}</ref> (Shining),
''EX Team Rocket Returns''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Comments |first=Theo Dwyer {{!}} |date=2021-11-28 |title=A Holographic History of The Pokémon TCG: Pokémon ☆ |url=https://bleedingcool.com/games/a-holographic-history-of-the-pokemon-tcg-pokemon-star-symbol/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220124032339/https://bleedingcool.com/games/a-holographic-history-of-the-pokemon-tcg-pokemon-star-symbol/ |archive-date=2022-01-24 |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=bleedingcool.com |language=en}}</ref> (☆),
''Astral Radiance''<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=O'Connor |first=Quinton |date=2022-07-12 |title=What Are Radiant Cards in the Pokemon TCG? |url=https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-tcg-radiant-cards-explained/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220802181401/https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-tcg-radiant-cards-explained/ |archive-date=2022-08-02 |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=TheGamer |language=en}}</ref> (Radiant)
|Basic
|One per deck (excluding Shining Pokémon released after Shining Legends)
|-
|Pokémon-ex,
Pokémon ex
|''EX Ruby & Sapphire'' series,
''Scarlet & Violet'' series
|Basic, Stage 1, Stage 2
|2 Prizes, official documentation writes the names from the two releases differently but they function the same and are treated as such.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet |url=https://tcg.pokemon.com/en-us/expansions/scarlet-violet/ |access-date=2024-02-28 |website=tcg.pokemon.com |archive-date=2023-10-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030192450/https://tcg.pokemon.com/en-us/expansions/scarlet-violet/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|Pokémon LV.X
|''Diamond & Pearl'' series
|LEVEL-UP
|2 Prizes, can use attacks, Poké-Powers, and Poké-Bodies from its previous evolution<ref>{{Cite web |title=Enjoy Pokémon TCG Cards Featuring These Spe-Shell Pokémon |url=https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/enjoy-pokemon-tcg-cards-featuring-these-spe-shell-pokemon |access-date=2024-02-28 |website=Pokemon.com |archive-date=2024-02-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240228032246/https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/enjoy-pokemon-tcg-cards-featuring-these-spe-shell-pokemon |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|Pokémon LEGEND
|''HeartGold & SoulSilver'' series
|LEGEND
|2 Prizes, 2 cards must be played onto the Bench at the same time<ref>{{Cite web |last=Comments |first=Theo Dwyer {{!}} |date=2021-12-27 |title=A Holographic History of The Pokémon TCG: Pokémon LEGEND |url=https://bleedingcool.com/games/a-holographic-history-of-the-pokemon-tcg-pokemon-legend/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220819204141/https://bleedingcool.com/games/a-holographic-history-of-the-pokemon-tcg-pokemon-legend/ |archive-date=2022-08-19 |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=bleedingcool.com |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|Pokémon-EX
|''Next Destinies'' 
|Basic
|2 Prizes, distinct from Pokémon-ex
|-
|Mega Pokémon-EX
|''XY'' series
|MEGA
|2 Prizes, turn ends after evolving from Pokémon-EX
|-
|Pokémon BREAK
|''BREAKthrough''
|BREAK
|Increases HP and gives an additional attack/Ability to its previous evolution.
|-
|Pokémon GX
|''Sun and Moon'' series
|Basic, Stage 1, Stage 2
|2 Prizes, each player can use a GX attack once per battle
|-
|TAG TEAM Pokémon GX
|''Team Up''
|Basic
|3 prizes, each player can use a GX attack once per battle<ref>{{Cite web |title=An Interview with Atsushi Nagashima About New Tag Team Pokémon-GX |url=https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/an-interview-with-atsushi-nagashima-about-new-tag-team-pokemon-gx |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=Pokemon.com |archive-date=2024-02-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240228032247/https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/an-interview-with-atsushi-nagashima-about-new-tag-team-pokemon-gx |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|Prism Star Cards
|''Ultra Prism''
|Basic
|One of each Prism Star card per deck, sent to the Lost Zone when discarded
|-
|Pokémon V
|''Sword and Shield'' series
|Basic
|2 Prizes
|-
|Pokémon VMAX
|''Sword and Shield'' series
|VMAX
|3 Prizes, evolves from Pokémon V<ref>{{Cite web |title=Galar Pokémon and Pokémon V Arrive in Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield in February 2020 |url=https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/galar-pokemon-and-pokemon-v-arrive-in-pokemon-tcg-sword-shield-in-february-2020/#:~:text=These%20Pok%C3%A9mon%20V%20feature%20immense,when%20they%20get%20Knocked%20Out. |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210312172700/https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/galar-pokemon-and-pokemon-v-arrive-in-pokemon-tcg-sword-shield-in-february-2020/#:~:text=These%20Pok%C3%A9mon%20V%20feature%20immense,when%20they%20get%20Knocked%20Out. |archive-date=2021-03-12 |access-date=2022-06-26 |website=Pokemon.com}}</ref>
|-
|Pokémon V-UNION
|''SWSH Black Star Promos''
|V-UNION
|3 Prizes, once per game for each V-UNION name: add four V-UNION cards with the same name to the Bench<ref>{{Cite web |last=Parlock |first=Joe |date=2021-09-14 |title=What Are Pokemon V-UNION Cards, And How Do They Work? |url=https://www.thegamer.com/what-are-pokemon-tcg-v-union-cards-guide/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127150354/https://www.thegamer.com/what-are-pokemon-TCG-v-union-cards-guide/ |archive-date=2022-01-27 |access-date=2022-06-26 |website=TheGamer}}</ref> 
|-
|Pokémon VSTAR
|''Brilliant Stars''
|VSTAR
|2 Prizes, each player can use a VSTAR Power once per battle, evolves from Pokémon V<ref>{{Cite web |last=Michael |first=Cale |date=2021-10-19 |title=New VSTAR Mechanic Officially Revealed for the Pokémon TCG, Showcases Arceus VSTAR |url=https://dotesports.com/pokemon/news/new-vstar-mechanic-officially-revealed-for-the-pokemon-tcg-showcases-arceus-vstar |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626193256/https://dotesports.com/pokemon/news/new-vstar-mechanic-officially-revealed-for-the-pokemon-tcg-showcases-arceus-vstar |archive-date=2022-06-26 |access-date=2022-06-26 |website=Dot Esports}}</ref>
|-
|Tera Pokémon ex
|''Scarlet & Violet'' series
|Basic, Stage 1, Stage 2
|2 Prizes, different types than normal but uses the same energy, cannot be dealt damage by attacks while on the Bench<ref>{{Cite web |title=par_rulebook_en.pdf |url=https://www.pokemon.com/static-assets/content-assets/cms2/pdf/trading-card-game/rulebook/par_rulebook_en.pdf |access-date=2024-02-28 |website=Pokemon.com |archive-date=2024-02-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240228054631/https://www.pokemon.com/static-assets/content-assets/cms2/pdf/trading-card-game/rulebook/par_rulebook_en.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
|}
Other Pokémon attributes include Owner's Pokémon,<ref name="Glossary">{{Cite web |title=Pokemon TCG Glossary |url=https://www.pokemon.com/us/play-pokemon/about/pokemon-tcg-glossary |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=Pokemon.com}}</ref> Baby Pokémon,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dwyer |first=Theo |date=2021-01-25 |title=Vintage Neo Genesis Pichu Pokémon Card Swirls Onto Auction |url=https://bleedingcool.com/games/vintage-neo-genesis-pichu-pokemon-card-swirls-onto-auction/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210306053323/https://bleedingcool.com/games/vintage-neo-genesis-pichu-pokemon-card-swirls-onto-auction/ |archive-date=2021-03-06 |access-date=2022-06-26 |website=[[Bleeding Cool]]}}</ref> Crystal Pokémon,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rahaman |first=Reyadh |date=2020-12-11 |title=Pokemon TCG: All Crystal Pokemon, Ranked |url=https://gamerant.com/pokemon-tcg-best-crystal-card-ranked/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220907102226/https://gamerant.com/pokemon-tcg-best-crystal-card-ranked/ |archive-date=2022-09-07 |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=Game Rant |language=en}}</ref> Dark Pokémon,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rahaman |first=Reyadh |date=2020-12-10 |title=Pokemon TCG: 10 Strongest Dark Pokemon, Ranked |url=https://gamerant.com/pokemon-tcg-strongest-dark-cards-ranked/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407081043/https://gamerant.com/pokemon-tcg-strongest-dark-cards-ranked/ |archive-date=2023-04-07 |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=Game Rant |language=en}}</ref> Light Pokémon,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rahaman |first=Reyadh |date=2020-12-11 |title=Pokemon TCG: 10 Strongest Light Pokemon, Ranked |url=https://gamerant.com/pokemon-tcg-tips-best-light-cards/ |access-date=2024-02-28 |website=Game Rant |language=en |archive-date=2024-08-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817153349/https://gamerant.com/pokemon-tcg-tips-best-light-cards/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Team Magma's cards,<ref name="poke">{{Cite web |title=EX Team Magma vs Team Aqua |url=https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg/ex-team-magma-vs-team-aqua/explore-and-watch/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303105500/http://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg/ex-team-magma-vs-team-aqua/explore-and-watch/ |archive-date=2016-03-03 |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=Pokemon.com}}</ref> Team Aqua's cards,<ref name="poke" /> δ Delta Species,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dennett |first=Thomas |date=2020-03-17 |title=Pokémon TCG: The 10 Coolest Delta Species Cards |url=https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-tcg-coolest-delta-species-cards/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407010519/https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-tcg-coolest-delta-species-cards/ |archive-date=2023-04-07 |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=TheGamer |language=en}}</ref> Pokémon Prime,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Comments |first=Theo Dwyer {{!}} |date=2022-01-03 |title=A Holographic History of the Pokémon TCG: Pokémon Prime |url=https://bleedingcool.com/games/a-holographic-history-of-the-pokemon-tcg-pokemon-prime/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525063900/https://bleedingcool.com/games/a-holographic-history-of-the-pokemon-tcg-pokemon-prime/ |archive-date=2022-05-25 |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=bleedingcool.com |language=en}}</ref> Pokémon SP, Restored Pokémon, Team Plasma cards,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Black & White Plasma Storm Rulebook |url=https://media.pocketmonsters.net/pdf/bw_plasma_storm_rulebook.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230801113941/https://media.pocketmonsters.net/pdf/bw_plasma_storm_rulebook.pdf |archive-date=2023-08-01 |access-date=2023-09-11}}</ref> Ancient Trait, Ultra Beasts,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sun & Moon—Crimson Invasion {{!}} Trading Card Game |url=https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg/sun-moon-crimson-invasion |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=Pokemon.com |archive-date=2024-08-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817153512/https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg/sun-moon-crimson-invasion |url-status=live }}</ref> Single Strike,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sword & Shield—Battle Styles {{!}} Trading Card Game |url=https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg/sword-shield-battle-styles |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=Pokemon.com |archive-date=2024-08-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817153353/https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg/sword-shield-battle-styles |url-status=live }}</ref> Rapid Strike, Fusion Strike,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sword & Shield—Fusion Strike {{!}} Trading Card Game |url=https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg/sword-shield-fusion-strike |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=Pokemon.com |archive-date=2024-02-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240228032245/https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg/sword-shield-fusion-strike |url-status=live }}</ref> Ancient,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Scarlet & Violet—Paradox Rift {{!}} Trading Card Game |url=https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg/scarlet-violet-paradox-rift |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=Pokemon.com |archive-date=2024-02-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240228032245/https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg/scarlet-violet-paradox-rift |url-status=live }}</ref> and Future cards.

Trainer cards perform various effects to affect the game, including but not limited to: drawing cards, healing Pokémon, discarding Energy from opposing Pokémon, or retrieving cards from the discard pile. Before the ''Diamond & Pearl'' series, all cards that were not Pokémon or Energy were considered Trainer cards. Afterward, Trainer cards were subdivided into three categories, Item, Stadium, and Supporter. Item cards directly affect the battling Pokémon and include the subcategory Pokémon Tool cards to attach to a Pokémon and provide for different effects. Stadium cards provide global effects both players can use, usually once per turn. Supporter cards have considerably the strongest effects, but they are limited to one per turn.<ref name="assets.pokemon.com" /> Starting with ''Scarlet & Violet'', Pokémon Tool cards are considered as a separate category from Item cards; existing Pokémon Tool cards have received errata to conform to this change.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2023 Pokémon TCG Standard Format Rotation and Pokémon Tool Errata |url=https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/2023-pokemon-tcg-standard-format-rotation-and-pokemon-tool-errata |access-date=2023-09-13 |website=Pokemon.com |language=en |archive-date=2023-09-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230915005726/https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/2023-pokemon-tcg-standard-format-rotation-and-pokemon-tool-errata |url-status=live }}</ref> ACE SPEC Trainer cards have powerful unique effects but only one ACE SPEC card is allowed in the deck.

Energy cards are attached to Pokémon in play to power their attacks. Only one Energy card may be attached per turn, unless a player has an effect that specifies otherwise. There are two categories of Energy cards: Basic Energy and Special Energy. The nine different Basic Energy types which correspond to Pokémon card types are Grass, Fire, Water, Lightning, Psychic, Fighting, Darkness, Metal, and Fairy.<ref>{{Cite web |title=What Does a "Pokemon" Energy Card Do? |url=https://ourpastimes.com/pokemon-energy-card-do-12058435.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415230503/https://ourpastimes.com/pokemon-energy-card-do-12058435.html |archive-date=2021-04-15 |access-date=2022-06-26 |website=Our Pastimes}}</ref><ref name="dicebreaker.com">{{Cite web |date=2020-02-07 |title=How to build a Pokémon TCG deck for beginners |url=https://www.dicebreaker.com/categories/trading-card-game/how-to/how-to-build-a-pokemon-tcg-deck |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423152150/https://www.dicebreaker.com/categories/trading-card-game/how-to/how-to-build-a-pokemon-tcg-deck |archive-date=2021-04-23 |access-date=2022-06-26 |website=Dicebreaker}}</ref> The Dragon type does not have a corresponding Basic Energy card, and instead uses multiple types of Energy cards. Basic Energy cards fulfill costs for attacking and retreating and don't have additional effects, while most Special Energy cards have additional effects. Most attacks require a certain type and amount of Energy. If the attack has a Colorless Energy requirement, that requirement can be met by any Energy card.<ref name="assets.pokemon.com" /> Any amount of Basic Energy can be put in the deck, but only four of each special energy can be put in, just like Trainer and Pokémon cards.

===Pokémon types===
{| class="wikitable floatright" style="width: 400px; text-align: center;"
|-
! TCG type
! Game type
|- style="background:#00de5f;"
| Grass
| Grass, Bug, and Poison (1996–2007)
|- style="background:#ff5040;"
| Fire
| Fire
|- style="background:#6af;"
| Water
| Water and Ice
|- style="background:#ff0;"
| Lightning
| Electric
|- style="background:#c0d;"
| Psychic
| Psychic, Ghost, Poison (2007–2019), and Fairy (2019–)
|- style="background:#c72;"
| Fighting
| Fighting, Rock, and Ground
|- style="background:#777666;"
| <span style="color:white;">Darkness</span>
| <span style="color:white;">Dark and Poison (2019–)</span>
|- style="background:silver;"
| Metal
| Steel
|- style="background:#c49f1a;"
| Dragon
| Dragon (2012–2019, 2021–)
|- style="background:#ff14b6;"
| Fairy
| Fairy (2014–2019)
|- style="background:#e5e8e8;"
| Colorless
| Normal, Flying, and Dragon (1996–2012, 2019–2021)
|}

Pokémon Types are elemental attributes, determining the strengths and weaknesses for each Pokémon and its attacks. Pokémon take double damage from attacks of types they are weak to and less damage from attacks they resist.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pokémon Type Chart: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Effectiveness Explained |url=https://www.theloadout.com/pokemon-type-chart |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220123090257/https://www.theloadout.com/pokemon-type-chart |archive-date=January 23, 2022 |access-date=June 26, 2022 |website=The Loadout}}</ref> These type matchups offset one another in [[rock–paper–scissors]]-style relationships.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fortner |first=Kirkland |date=January 28, 2022 |title=Pokemon: Immediate Changes Needed To Balance The Type Chart |url=https://gamerant.com/pokemon-changes-needed-balance-type-chart/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626193257/https://gamerant.com/pokemon-changes-needed-balance-type-chart/ |archive-date=June 26, 2022 |access-date=June 26, 2022 |website=Game Rant}}</ref> Pokémon Types in the TCG include Fire, Fighting, Dragon, Lightning, Grass, Water, Fairy, Psychic, Darkness, Metal, and Colorless.<ref name="dicebreaker.com" /> Other Pokémon types such as Ice and Ground types from the franchise, however, do not have their own types in the TCG and instead are categorized/incorporated inside other types; for example, Ice type<ref>{{Cite web |last=Garcia |first=Johnny |date=April 21, 2020 |title=Pokémon TCG: Every Energy Type in the Game, Ranked from Worst to Best |url=https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-tcg-energy-types-ranked/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223210227/https://www.thegamer.com/pokemon-tcg-energy-types-ranked/ |archive-date=December 23, 2021 |access-date=June 29, 2022 |website=TheGamer}}</ref> and Ground type<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lowthian |first=Declan |date=April 24, 2022 |title=Pokémon: 10 Things You Didn't Know About Ground Types |url=https://www.cbr.com/pokemon-things-you-didnt-know-about-ground-types/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220603195450/https://www.cbr.com/pokemon-things-you-didnt-know-about-ground-types/ |archive-date=June 3, 2022 |access-date=June 29, 2022 |website=CBR}}</ref> are categorized under Water type and Fighting type, respectively.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bishop |first=Ben |date=2022-03-21 |title=Why the Pokémon TCG Has Fewer Types Than the Video Games |url=https://www.cbr.com/why-pokemon-tcg-fewer-types/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626060419/https://www.cbr.com/why-pokemon-tcg-fewer-types/ |archive-date=June 26, 2022 |access-date=June 29, 2022 |website=CBR}}</ref>

Starting with ''Dragons Exalted'', Dragon type Pokémon are now listed as Dragon-type, and they were previously categorized under the Colorless type.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-08-15 |title=Black & White—Dragons Exalted |url=https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg/black-white-dragons-exalted/explore-and-watch/ |access-date=2023-09-21 |website=Pokemon.com |archive-date=2023-04-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406092709/https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg/black-white-dragons-exalted/explore-and-watch/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Similarly, starting with ''Sword & Shield'', Poison type Pokémon are categorized under Darkness-type; Poison-type were previously Psychic type,<ref name="Yehl-Jan9">{{Cite web |last=Yehl |first=Joshua |date=January 9, 2020 |title=Pokemon Removes Fairy-Type from the TCG |url=https://sea.ign.com/pokemon-trading-card-game-online/156716/feature/pokemon-removes-fairy-type-from-the-tcg |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029114916/https://sea.ign.com/pokemon-trading-card-game-online/156716/feature/pokemon-removes-fairy-type-from-the-tcg |archive-date=October 29, 2020 |access-date=June 29, 2022 |website=IGN Southeast Asia}}</ref> and before that they were categorized under Grass type.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lowthian |first=Declan |date=2022-03-29 |title=Pokémon: 10 Things You Didn't Know About Grass Types |url=https://www.cbr.com/pokemon-things-you-didnt-know-about-grass-types/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220510220003/https://www.cbr.com/pokemon-things-you-didnt-know-about-grass-types/ |archive-date=May 10, 2022 |access-date=June 29, 2022 |website=CBR}}</ref>

A simplified type system was adopted from the video games for use in the trading card game. Darkness and Metal types was introduced alongside the corresponding [[Pokémon Gold and Silver|''Pokémon Gold'' and ''Silver'']] video game, the Dragon-type was introduced in the Japanese ''Dragon Selection'' set; and Fairy type was introduced in the ''XY'' set to correspond to its introduction in the franchise, but they were later categorized under Psychic type starting with ''Sword and Pokémon Shield''.<ref name="Yehl-Jan9" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Changes Coming to the Pokémon TCG with Sword & Shield |url=https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/changes-coming-to-the-pokemon-tcg-with-sword-shield/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204033211/https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/changes-coming-to-the-pokemon-tcg-with-sword-shield/ |archive-date=4 February 2021 |access-date=12 February 2021 |website=Pokémon.com |publisher=[[The Pokémon Company]]}}</ref> While most Pokémon have only one type, three exceptions are ''EX Team Magma vs Team Aqua'' which introduced dual-type Pokémon that have two different types, as well as ''XY'' and ''HeartGold and SoulSilver'' series sets.<ref>{{Cite web |title=EX Team Magma vs Team Aqua |url=https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg/ex-team-magma-vs-team-aqua/explore-and-watch/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303105500/http://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg/ex-team-magma-vs-team-aqua/explore-and-watch/ |archive-date=2016-03-03 |access-date=2022-06-26 |website=Pokemon.com}}</ref> Dual types were also utilized in Pokémon-Legend cards from ''HeartGold and SoulSilver''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-08-24 |title=Discussing the Dual-Types: Are They Viable or Just Cool to Look At? - |url=https://www.pokebeach.com/2016/08/discussing-the-dual-types |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180928101239/http://www.pokebeach.com/2016/08/discussing-the-dual-types |archive-date=2018-09-28 |access-date=2022-06-26 |website=PokéBeach}}</ref> In August 2016, ''XY'' ''Steam Siege'' reintroduced the dual-type mechanic, but this time on regular Pokémon and Pokémon-EX.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Exploring the Pokemon TCG - Steam Siege Expansion |url=https://comicbook.com/news/exploring-the-pokemon-tcg-steam-siege-expansion/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626193257/https://comicbook.com/news/exploring-the-pokemon-tcg-steam-siege-expansion/ |archive-date=2022-06-26 |access-date=2022-06-26 |website=Comicbook.com|date=6 September 2017 }}</ref>